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Is the steel, particularly stainless steel, use by big-bore revolver makers the same from brand to brand? I ask because Ruger Super Blackhawks and Freedom Arms have very good reputations for strength. On the other hand, they are lighter than S&W and the Magnum Research BFR. I am thinking that S&W and MR steel might by weaker steel if they have to use more of it. Every picture of a revolver I've ever seen with it's top-strap blown off has been an S&W, but not the super-heavy .460 and .500 magnum guns.
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Last edited by Charliecgdn; 10-02-2016, 9:56 AM. -
Different manufacturers will use different alloys from different manufacturers but they are all going to be pretty similar and and weight differences due to alloy choice will be completely insignificant. Assuming quality raw material is used, the differences in weight and strength come primarily from design and the manufacturing processes used.Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them. - Rabindranath Tagore
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Is the steel, particularly stainless steel, use by big-bore revolver makers the same from brand to brand?
No, and it not just the steel that imparts strength but the treatment process.
I ask because Ruger Super Blackhawks and Freedom Arms have very good reputations for strength. On the other hand, they are lighter than S&W and the Magnum Research BFR.
These are single action revolvers not double action which have more mechanical overhead.
I am thinking that S&W and MR steel might by weaker steel if they have to use more of it.
Don't know what guns you are looking at but Ruger and BFR top straps are generally larger than those of an S&W. That said these guns are fabricated in very different way and material, cast vs. forged.
That said a gun needs to meet the strength required to do the job. There is no requirement to overbuild a gun.
Every picture of a revolver I've ever seen with it's top-strap blown off has been an S&W, but not the super-heavy .460 and .500 magnum guns.
Not to be condescending but you apparently have not looked very hard, plenty pictures of Ruger, Xframes, Colts and BFR out there with the top strap lifted.
Lastly if the gun has the top strap blown up I would find it difficult to believe it is the manufacturing or material issue (possible but unlikely). These are the result of improperly built ammunition, usually double charged reloads.
A gun needs to be fabricated to strength required to do the job and meet end of life expectations. While each manufacture claims his way is the best I ask individuals is the gun doing it's job.
good luck and be safe
RuggyComment
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I don't think S&W is heavier than Ruger.
Some frames are cast stainless, some are forged, and some are made from mill stock.
All stainless of the same type (420, 304, etc) is suppsoe to be the same regardless of which steel mill mixes the materials, but I think there are some differences between different steel mills. I use to work someplace that purchased tons of stainless steel every month to manufacture parts. I noticed that tool bits lasted longer when machining Allegheny 304 Stainless than Carpenter 304 Stainless. They should have both been the same.
Gun makers may use different types of stainless. Different countries also have different types of stainless. United States, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Britain all have different types (number designations) that may or may not be similar to some other countries mixes.
Note: I was told by many engineers that Stainless against Stainless has the worst wear. Always oil/grease stainless parts.
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There is the guy who does awesome write ups on their range in Vegas...
The S&W 500 fails in a catastrophic way... the barrel gives out and blows up the frame when it goes... so the range now replaces the barrel proactively at 9 months if I recall the story correctly....
Ruger has always seemed to have a stronger, yet clunkier design... I think of the raging bull... two latches on the cylinder...
Steel grade / alloy grade- I have no ideaRule 1- ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
Rule 2 -NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY (including your hands and legs)
Rule 3 -KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
Rule 4 -BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT
(thanks to Jeff Cooper)Comment
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Rugers are cast, Smiths are forged. Forged steel is denser and heavier by volume. Ruger makes up for the inherent weakness of casting by putting more material in, which is why they're chunky and kinda fugly.Comment
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It's very difficult to compare apples to apples when it comes to weight. The Smiths don't come in 454 and 480, and the Rugers don't come in 460 and 500, which might require more steel.
The SRHs have 7 1/2" barrels, and the Smiths have 8 1/2" barrels. Last but not least, Ruger has a single action and Smith doesn't. The 7 1/2" 454 SRH weights 53 oz, and the 8 1/2" 500 Smith weighs a little over 70 oz. Again, different rounds and barrel lengths.Comment
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there are so many S&W out there, some are bound to have heavier than usual loads go through them. I have be guilty such a crime a few times, but luckily with no ill effect.
I think the S&W 357s are proven enough that I don't worry about them at all. The newer hotter bigger bores, I don't know.,Comment
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